This is from the IMDB top 250 list. A French movie about an average man without caregiving credentials ends up taking the best care of a quadriplegic aristocrat. They develop a friendship over time. It is a wholesome experience to watch both these men become best friends. This being inspired by true events adds a smile at the end.
After becoming a quadriplegic, Philippe is looking for someone to care for him full-time. He is having interviews in his swanky mansion and no one is fitting the image he has in his mind. Driss enters this interview just to get the welfare paycheck by showing he is making attempts at jobs. He is not best suited based on the qualifications, rather, he is diametrically opposite of the kind of experience and maturity required for such a job.
As it happens, Philippe decides to give him a chance. His staff is sceptical about this decision, but they support Driss in all possible ways. Friendship comes naturally as that is the subject of the film.
A black person caring for a white rich man may raise some eyebrows in the Western world, but not coming from that background, it did not have much effect on me. The movie appeared too polished and too happy to evoke stronger emotions. I admired the integrity and simplicity of Driss. I also enjoyed François Cluzet's portrayal of Philippe. Philippe opens up slowly. Carrying these characters is tough because these are like normal human beings around us.
The movie is brilliantly shot. Wide angles and aerial shots are all there. This adds to the appeal. But under that veneer, there is no significant character development to deserve an 8.5+ rating. You see the impact Driss has on Philippe, but not much the other way around. (I am not talking about money, that initial awe wears off). I wished for more backstories. Both of them share some background about themselves, but it's just plain narration in a single scene which did not have a strong anchor for me.
It is a feel-good movie. If you are feeling down and are looking for a pick-me-up movie along with a bowl of ice cream, this one will do the trick.
Review by SolBlockedParent2023-04-30T12:22:59Z
This is from the IMDB top 250 list. A French movie about an average man without caregiving credentials ends up taking the best care of a quadriplegic aristocrat. They develop a friendship over time. It is a wholesome experience to watch both these men become best friends. This being inspired by true events adds a smile at the end.
After becoming a quadriplegic, Philippe is looking for someone to care for him full-time. He is having interviews in his swanky mansion and no one is fitting the image he has in his mind. Driss enters this interview just to get the welfare paycheck by showing he is making attempts at jobs. He is not best suited based on the qualifications, rather, he is diametrically opposite of the kind of experience and maturity required for such a job.
As it happens, Philippe decides to give him a chance. His staff is sceptical about this decision, but they support Driss in all possible ways. Friendship comes naturally as that is the subject of the film.
A black person caring for a white rich man may raise some eyebrows in the Western world, but not coming from that background, it did not have much effect on me. The movie appeared too polished and too happy to evoke stronger emotions. I admired the integrity and simplicity of Driss. I also enjoyed François Cluzet's portrayal of Philippe. Philippe opens up slowly. Carrying these characters is tough because these are like normal human beings around us.
The movie is brilliantly shot. Wide angles and aerial shots are all there. This adds to the appeal. But under that veneer, there is no significant character development to deserve an 8.5+ rating. You see the impact Driss has on Philippe, but not much the other way around. (I am not talking about money, that initial awe wears off). I wished for more backstories. Both of them share some background about themselves, but it's just plain narration in a single scene which did not have a strong anchor for me.
It is a feel-good movie. If you are feeling down and are looking for a pick-me-up movie along with a bowl of ice cream, this one will do the trick.